Latino Daily News

Mediator in Colombian Says FARC Will Free Soldiers and Police Next Week

The FARC rebel group’s promised release of 10 police and soldiers will begin on March 26, a former Colombian senator involved in the process said Wednesday.

“With much joy and satisfaction, we want to inform you that next Monday the FARC will deliver the 10 uniformed people, police and soldiers, who are in their power,” Piedad Cordoba told a press conference in the capital.

Joining her for the announcement were FARC-designated intermediary Marleny Orjuela and journalist Carlos Lozano, editor of Colombian Communist Party weekly Voz.

All three expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Colombian government, Brazil - providing helicopters for the mission - and the International Committee of the Red Cross, which is coordinating the operation.

The handover will require two days, Cordoba said, without providing any further details.

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, requested last month that Orjuela, who leads an organization representing the families of rebel captives, manage the logistics for the release of the last 10 security force members held by the guerrillas.